PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Travis Dye entered the season as the least-talked about Dye on the roster but after his performance last weekend (18 carries for 105 yards), Travis is quickly rising the ranks. While his brother Troy, a junior linebacker, oozes of NFL potential, Travis has been making life difficult for opposing defenses. For the first time all year, Dye is listed as an “OR” starter at running back, but based on his play the last few weeks, look for him to continue his run against the Beavers.
–DE Gus Cumberlander was a relative unknown to begin the season, but now he’s listed on Oregon’s depth chart. Typically, a situational pass rusher, Cumberlander had a career night last week when he finished with two sacks on third down and a fumble recovery that clinched the win. His emergence as a pass rusher gives hope for Oregon’s future with senior Jalen Jelks and Justin Hollins graduating after the season.
–QB Justin Herbert, a junior, could possibly be playing in his final Civil War depending on his decision at the end of the year. Widely considered a top-five NFL pick (No. 1 QB), Herbert grew up an Oregon fan and attended many of the rivalry games through the years. Now in potentially his final game against the Beavers, what does Herbert do for a finale?
–LB Justin Hollins has emerged as a senior, totaling 11 tackles for loss and five sacks. He’ll have one more chance to really improve his draft stock statistically against a meager Oregon State offensive line. He’ll also go up against Beavers RB Jemar Jefferson. The better Hollins plays, the more likely the Ducks win, and he sees his name continuously fly up NFL draft boards.
SERIES HISTORY: Oregon leads Oregon State 64-47-10. The series has been largely one-sided since the turn of the century with the Ducks going 12-6, including winning nine of the past 10. The past two games have seen dramatic differences with Oregon State prevailing 34-24 in 2016 before Justin Herbert led the Ducks to a 69-10 win last season, accounting for four total touchdowns as the Ducks ran for 311 yards and five scores.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I don’t think I’ll be home. I think — what pizza place is open where they can deliver something? For us, that’s like a Friday before a game. I have the in-laws over in town, I’m sure they’ll cook something up. They do a great job. I know Jessica will do a great job. The boys will chip in and help. It’ll be something massive. If my mom was here there would be a hole in my backyard and they’d roast a whole pig back there. Neighbors would complain and have a fire hazard on our hands.” — Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal, on his Thanksgiving Day plans.
